MAC Layer Protocols for 5G and Beyond

Abstract

The rapid advancement of wireless communication technologies has made the MAC layer protocol a critical component for achieving the performance required in 5G and beyond networks. The thesis provides a systematic literature review of state-of-the-art MAC layer protocols, the techniques used in their development, and their comparative benefits, limitations, and design insights, along with the author’s observations on their suitability for next-generation wireless systems. The review examines MAC layer protocols for 5G and beyond, including techniques such as grant-free access, dynamic scheduling, hybrid and orthogonal scheduling, and AI-assisted MAC designs for IoT systems. Each model is evaluated in terms of methodology, architectural design, traffic models, and key performance metrics, including delay, throughput, and energy efficiency. The comparison shows how different approaches address conflicting requirements such as scalability, reliability, and low overhead in heterogeneous networks. The study also highlights benefits observed across MAC designs, such as improved contention resolution, better adaptation to dynamic channel conditions, reduced signaling overhead, and more efficient coexistence of diverse traffic types. Several studies emphasize the value of ML-based MAC protocols in providing more accurate prediction, decision-making, and resource optimization. Other studies show that flexible MAC designs supporting beamforming and directional communication are necessary for improved performance. Despite these advantages, common challenges remain, including computational complexity and limited scalability in ultra-dense networks. AI-enabled approaches also introduce challenges related to training data availability, real-time inference feasibility, and energy consumption of sensor nodes. The thesis further provides a critical analysis based on the author’s observations, identifying research gaps related to cross-layer optimization, edge integration, intelligent MAC operation, and coexistence in unlicensed spectrum. The review highlights the need for MAC architectures that can dynamically adapt to context-aware parameters, mobility patterns, and highly variable traffic loads. Overall, the literature review focuses on MAC layer protocols for 5G and beyond, their design techniques, comparative performance, benefits, and limitations, along with critical insights from existing studies. The thesis establishes a foundation for future research toward more reliable and efficient MAC protocols that address current shortcomings and support next-generation wireless communication systems.